No Scope For Problem With Sardara Singh: New Hockey Captain PR Sreejesh

"We are a team and there is no scope for personal problems," said PR Sreejesh, who was named India's hockey captain for the Rio Olympics ahead of Sardara Singh.

Speaking to NDTV in Delhi on Tuesday, Sreejesh said Sardara was a "matured" player and was one of the best players in the world. "We play for the country as a team and there is no scope for anything else. He understands the situation very well," said Sreejesh.

Sreejesh had led India to a historic silver medal at the FIH Champions Trophy in London last month. India opted for rotational captaincy and the ploy worked well, said Sreejesh. Senior players SV Sunil and Manpreet Singh had led India in different matches during the Champions Trophy.

"It was planned from London itself that we will have rotational captains," said Sreejesh, who has been rock solid between the goalposts for the national side in international tournaments.

The idea of rotational captaincy was mooted by coach Roelant Oltmans. The Dutchman felt that players did not take enough responsibility when there was one team in a captain.

"This is my opportunity to be nominated captain but Sardara is a senior player and will lead the team on the field too," said Sreejesh.

Interestingly, Sardara was rested for the Champions Trophy in London. The mid-field general has been charged in a sexual assault case - for allegedly raping a British woman - and the Delhi Commission for Women has recommended an FIR against the hockey star.

Sreejesh credited his team for the Champions Trophy silver and said India should finish "among the top six in Rio." India finished last among 12 teams at the 2012 London Games.